U.S. State Department: parliamentary elections in Macedonia largely met international standards

The United States has congratulated the citizens of Macedonia for July 5 successful parliamentary elections, which independent monitors said largely met international standards despite isolated problems.

A coalition of opposition conservative parties, VRMO-DPMNE, received more seats in Macedonia’s parliament than the ruling Social Democrat coalition, according to news reports. Neither coalition won a majority of parliamentary seats.

"We note the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s [OSCE’s] initial assessment that the elections largely met international standards," U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement July 6.

"We welcome the evident will of the people of Macedonia to elect their representatives in an orderly and transparent process,” McCormack said. "We also note that there were isolated cases of irregularities. These cases should be fully investigated and dealt with in accordance with Macedonian law."

McCormack said the United States "will continue to support its friend and partner Macedonia on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration." The Eur